HOW TO BUILD A SHED?

7. HOW TO BUILD A SHED ROOF

Step 1: Mark the rafter locations on the shed wall plates

The first step to installing the roof rafters is to mark the rafter locations on the top plates. Start the layout on the end of the shed shown on the plans.

Step 1 ( Cont’d)

Mark the rafter locations at 24 inches on center using the same layout technique used to layout the wall studs shown video five of this video series.

Step 1 (Cont’d)

Locating them on the ground is done by setting the rails in their approximate location and checking them for square.Layout the second wall making sure to start at the

same end of the shed as you laid out the first wall.

Step 2: set the end rafters on the shed wall plates

The second step is to prepare the rail beds. This is done by making them level with each other and themselves

Set the end rafters on the ends of the shed. Make sure to use the two rafters that have a gusset on only one side and that the side of the rafter with no gusset is facing outwards

Step 2 (C0nt’d)

Set a rafter on the top plates and align the gable face of the rafter with the top plate on the gable end of the shed. Make sure that the overhang of the rafter birdsmouth is the same on both ends of the rafter.

Step 2 (C0nt’d)

Attach the rafter to the top plates using 3 8d nails at each rafter seat to top plate connection.

Step 2 (C0nt’d)

Install the rafter at the opposite end of the shed in the same way.

Step 2 (C0nt’d)

The rafters may be temporarily supported from falling over by nailing a 2x4 board to the gable end or on some sheds the siding will extend up above the top plates. This shed shows both techniques.

Step 3: Set a string between the two end rafters

The third step is very simple but it is important to help you align all the other rafters. Install a string line between the peaks of the two end rafters. Make the string tight enough so it does not sag but not so tight that it pulls the end rafters down.

Step 3: Cont’d

You can tie a knot in the string and hook it in the gap between the rafter ends or simply put a nail where the two rafters meet at the peak and tie the string to it.

NEXT STEP: How To Install Trim On The Storage Shed

Continue learning about shed building through other presentations.